Scott Parker was full of praise for his team after they overcame London rivals QPR at Craven Cottage on Friday night.
Fulham, who were without the suspended Aleksandar Mitrovic up front, secured all three points in a 2-1 win with stand-in striker Abou Kamara betting both goals for the home team.
Parker’s men had fallen behind within the opening three minutes as Jordan Hugill gave the Rs the lead but the home team equalised in the middle of the first half before Kamara found the winner in the 63rd minute.
The win sends Fulham up to 4th in the table just four points behind leaders West Bromwich Albion.
Parker admitted that his team started poor before improving and he was full of praise for Kamara who stepped up to the plate in Mitrovic’s absence.
He told West London Sport: “I thought the first 15-20 minutes we were really poor. QPR started very well and we changed things but the longer the first half went on we were better,” said Parker.
“The second half we put in a performance that was worthy of the win. We had a few words at half time as we were a bit sloppy and we didn’t pick up second balls.
”I’m really pleased for Kamara and the fact you have to manage Abou differently.
“When he goes over the white line he gives you everything. The reality here rather than the perception from outside is that he’s a well respected and appreciated member of the squad. He’s not been involved a lot this season but he’s a grafter and works hard.”
Although Fulham are right in the mix for promotion, Parker refused to get carried away about his team’s chances of getting back to the top flight.
He said: “My team showed a real desire tonight. We have players who are flamboyant, but you need something deep rooted and that’s a mentality and a desire which makes good football clubs.
“I’ve seen a side to us that is top and a side that is a work in progress. It’s important in this league to have a good mentality and drive.
“We lost most games last year in the Premier League because we never had any momentum. We’re building foundations.”
